Despite some opposition, University President Michael Adams’ message Tuesday to University Council was a clear one: He’s standing by his choice of Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as this semester’s commencement speaker.

Adams said opposition to Thomas is not about sexual harassment and said he defends Thomas’ right to speak.

Allegations that Thomas sexually harassed female coworker Anita Hill were never proven, Adams said. He said he hopes students will not embarrass themselves or the University with their actions during Thomas’ speech.

“I don’t think this issue is at all about sexual harassment,” Adams told the council. “Anybody who has any remaining doubt about my position on the sexual harassment issue has had their head in the ground.”

During Thomas’ 1991 Senate confirmation hearings for his appointment to the Supreme Court, it was alleged that he sexually harassed Hill. Hill testified during the hearings, and Thomas denied all allegations. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in October 1991 after a 52-48 Senate vote.

In light of those allegations, a faculty member and a student in the audience spoke against Thomas’ invitation to serve as commencement speaker, which was announced last week.

About 10 students protested with posters decrying Adams’ choice of speaker.

“There is no one to credit or blame in that regard [choosing Thomas] but me,” Adams said of the selection.

The faculty member, who did not identify herself, said the decision “was so discouraging” compared to apparent gains in anti-sexual harassment enforcement on campus.

The student identified himself as a graduating senior and told Adams it showed “how out-of-touch you are with the student body.”

In a news conference after the meeting, Adams said Thomas is a supporter of the University and commented about the warm reception he received here.

“I think you would have this reaction from some quarters at any time,” he said. “We’re not going to start having political litmus tests at the University of Georgia about who our speakers are.”

In a report to Council, David Shipley, a law professor and chair of the curriculum committee, spoke out of order to support Adams’ choice of speaker.

Shipley said Thomas was an excellent speaker at the law school years ago, and Thomas presented the University with opportunities. Thomas’ life “is a rags-to-riches story,” he said. “I think it’s the American Dream come true.”

In other matters, Adams said progress is being made in forming three offices to handle harassment claims. He will begin meeting with officials who will hire and employ the ombudspersons. These employees, Adams plans, will hear harassment claims starting Oct. 1.

He gave an update about expansion of the Medical College of Georgia, saying a temporary site for classes is being prepared. Accreditation should be gained by 2009 or 2010.

Tom Artelt, chair of the libraries committee, said the library will close on home football game Saturdays.

“I think it sends the wrong message, but it’s an unavoidable message,” Adams said.